Where do we stand with SR 520 bicycle connections?

We see continual construction along the SR 520, we know WSDOT is building a new floating bridge, we’ve heard bits and pieces but when will it be open and what benefits will we see for bicyclists? And when will I be able to bike across SR 520? I ask myself this each time I carpool across the bridge.

So here at Choose Your Way Bellevue, I decided to dig down and find out when we would see bicycle and pedestrian connections from Seattle to Redmond (via Bellevue). Here are my findings all in one place, including some of the highlights that have taken place and what we can look forward to. Let’s take a journey from Seattle to the Eastside.

The I-5 to Lake Washington segment remains primarily unfunded; however, the WABN, which is the westbound portion from the floating bridge to Montlake, is currently under construction. This piece is critical, as it includes pedestrian and bicycle connections from Montlake to the Floating Bridge and Landings project (and thus the other side of the lake). This is slated to open to drivers and cyclists in summer 2017. A lot of design work has been done on the remainder of the Montlake side and it is still awaiting the remaining $1.57 billion unfunded need.

Wider, safer shoulders that will allow vehicles to pull over in the case of a breakdown.

A 14-foot-wide bicycle and pedestrian path on the north side of the bridge.

Ability to accommodate future light rail if the region chooses to fund it in the future.

A safer structure that is resistant to windstorms up to 89 mph.

While this segment is slated to be completed in spring of 2016, only when the WABN opens in summer 2017 will we have a pedestrian/bicycle connection from 108th Ave NE to Montlake, University District and Seattle.

The Eastside Transit and HOV projecthas already seen many milestones and is nearing completion with a separated pedestrian/bicycle path along the north side of SR 520 that is already open to the public. It weaves through tunnels and spits you out just on the east side of Bellevue Way. At this juncture you must ride on a shared use path to 108th Ave NE. See these photos uploaded by a bicyclist of some of the access points under construction back in October 2014.

Cyclist on 520 trail

Photo credit: Kurt DeVries

According to WSDOT, the Eastside Transit and HOV Project will complete and improve the 8.8-mile HOV system from Evergreen Point Road to the SR 202 interchange. The improved six-lane corridor includes two general-purpose lanes and one transit/HOV lane in each direction. The new inside HOV lanes west of 108th Avenue Northeast (which opened in 2014) align with center-running HOV lanes, and connect transit with new median transit stations. The existing outside HOV lanes east of I-405 will remain in place until traffic patterns and transportation planning efforts show a change is needed.

There is the remaining regional system gap between the pedestrian and bicycle improvements that the Eastside Transit and HOV Project has built up to 108th Ave NE and the 520 Trail to Redmond that can be accessed off NE 24th street just west of 124th Avenue NE. However, according to the City of Bellevue’s Northup Way Corridor Improvements project page, the City of Bellevue and WSDOT are engaged in a partnership to develop the non-motorized improvements that were envisioned in Bellevue’s 2008 Northup Way Corridor Study. This project will build bike lanes and sidewalks on both sides of Northup Way between 108th Ave /NE 33rd Place and NE 24th Street which will effectively provide an interim regional use facility for the missing link.

The gaps in the bicycle system along NE 24th Street between Northup Way and the existing 520 Trail will be completed in conjunction with modifications to the SR 520 retailing walls just below NE 24th Street as part of WSDOT’s improvements to the interchange at SR 520 and 124th Avenue NE. WSDOT also plans to ultimately build a dedicated off street permanent regional trail connection; however, that work is tied to implementation of the Master Plan for the I-405/SR 520 interchange.

Map courtesy of the City of Bellevue

Other features include a pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railway, planter strips, street lighting, and two pedestrian midblock crossings at key locations.

The project will:

Improve non-motorized and vehicular access to and from nearby commercial uses, neighborhoods, offices, transit facilities and other services in the area.

To recap, here are some approximate dates to note for bicycle enthusiasts:

Mid-2015: Probable start of construction for the Northup Way bicycle improvements

Spring 2016: Floating bridge opens to drivers (two general purpose lanes in each direction, one HOV lane in each direction)

Summer 2017: WABN opens to bicyclists and drivers and Northup Way improvements to be completed in conjunction for one continuous, much safer bicycle ride from Montlake to Redmond.

—

Augusta DeVries

Choose Your Way Bellevue staff

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One Response to “Where do we stand with SR 520 bicycle connections?”

Living in the Bell-Kirk-Northtowne area, I am excited to see this area finally becoming safe and walkable. Sad that Bellevue has left 112th NE (from South Kirkland Park&Ride to NE 24th) completely UN-walkable, especially with the new improvements at Hidden Valley Park. There are no streetlights, no sidewalks, no barrier what-so-ever from cars when walking from the S.Kirk Park&Ride. Hopefully, with the 520 bike connections, and after Northup and Bell Way are done, the city can think about 112th NE next. Thanks for finally fixing part of this area for those of us that actually want to walk the mile or so to Bellevue.